Net Nine Nine has taken a bold step in supporting victims of gender-based violence (GBV) in Hammanskraal by donating eight sewing machines to Great North Business Incubator (GNBI), an organisation dedicated to uplifting women who have survived abuse.
The donation forms part of Net Nine Nine’s commitment to driving social change and empowering women to reclaim their independence through entrepreneurship.
Through GNBI, 20 GBV survivors will undergo sewing and business training designed to equip them with the skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
SEWING MACHINES TO ASSIST HAMMANSKRAAL!
The initiative aims to help these women break free from financial dependence on abusive partners and inspire them to become future designers and business owners.
Joseph Makuvava, founder of Great North Business Incubator, praised the partnership, highlighting its life-changing potential.
“We want these women to start their own businesses and grow into successful designers. This is the first batch of women, and we expect to assist many more. This program is about restoring dignity, building confidence and giving them the tools to take control of their future,” he said.
The timing of the partnership is especially symbolic, as Net Nine Nine and GNBI formalised their collaboration on the first day of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which runs until 10 December 2025.
For Net Nine Nine, this was not a coincidence but a deliberate stand to show solidarity with survivors and to align with a global campaign advocating for safety, justice and empowerment.
MASHABA NARRATES HER FASHION DESIGN STORY!
Dipolelo Mashaba from Ramotse narrated her story to the group of ladies that packed a boardroom, indicating how these sewing machines will assist her.
“My dream was always to be a fashion designer. Unfortunately my family didn’t understand my desire at the time, but now such an opportunity has presented itself, again. Thanks to Net99 for reviving my dream, and this is another shot at enhancing my career,” she said.
This year’s campaign comes just days before Africa hosts its historic G20 Summit at Nasrec in Johannesburg.
Ahead of the summit, GBV activists marched to the venue to express frustration about the escalating rates of violence in the country, calling on government to declare GBV a national disaster.
STRONGER INTERVENTION FROM CORPORATES NEEDED!
Their messages underscored the urgency for stronger interventions, corporate support and community-based empowerment projects such as Net Nine Nine’s initiative.
Net Nine Nine’s contribution demonstrates the company’s growing role as a socially conscious technology provider committed to transforming communities beyond connectivity.
By investing in women’s skills development and entrepreneurship, the company is helping to break cycles of dependency and create pathways to economic freedom.
For the 20 women beginning their training, the sewing machines represent far more than equipment, they symbolise hope, opportunity and a fresh start.
